Hernia Repair Surgery

• A visible lump or bulge in the groin, abdomen or near a previous scar that may disappear when lying down
• Aching, dragging or heaviness in the affected area, often worse by the end of the day
• Discomfort or pain on coughing, lifting, bending or straining
• A swelling that becomes larger over weeks or months
• Burning or pulling sensation at the site of the bulge
• In men, swelling or discomfort extending into the scrotum
• Sudden severe pain, hardening of the lump and inability to push it back in (a possible emergency)

Hernias develop where the muscle or fascia of the abdominal wall is weak, either from birth or as a result of ageing, previous surgery or repeated strain. Common contributing factors include heavy lifting, chronic coughing, constipation with straining, pregnancy, obesity and any condition that raises pressure inside the abdomen. Inguinal hernias are far more common in men, while femoral hernias are seen more often in women.

Incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous operation where the healing scar has not fully regained its strength, and are more likely after wound infection, obesity or repeated abdominal surgery. A family history of hernia, smoking and connective-tissue disorders can also increase the risk. In many people no single cause is identified and the hernia simply reflects a natural area of weakness.

Most hernias are diagnosed by Mr Hussain at a face-to-face consultation through a careful history and physical examination. He will typically examine the area while the patient is standing and lying down, and may ask the patient to cough or strain so the bulge can be felt and assessed. This is usually enough to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

Where the diagnosis is less clear, such as a small or intermittent hernia, groin pain without an obvious lump, or a complex or recurrent hernia, Mr Hussain may arrange an ultrasound scan or CT scan to map the defect and surrounding anatomy. These investigations help confirm the type and size of the hernia and allow the most appropriate repair to be planned.

At your first consultation Mr Hussain takes a full history and examines the hernia while you stand and lie down, usually confirming the diagnosis without the need for any scan. He explains which repair suits you, talks through keyhole versus open and mesh versus no-mesh, and answers your questions, so you leave with a clear plan. If you decide to proceed, the hospital arranges a date and provides a written, fixed-price quotation.

On the day of surgery you are admitted a couple of hours beforehand, meet Mr Hussain and the anaesthetist, and sign your consent form. Most hernia repairs are day-case operations lasting under an hour. Afterwards you rest in the recovery area, have something to eat and drink, and go home the same day once you are comfortable and steady on your feet. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night.

Most straightforward hernia repairs are performed as day-case surgery, allowing the patient to go home the same day. It is normal to have some bruising, swelling and discomfort around the wound for the first week or two, which is usually well controlled with simple painkillers. Patients are encouraged to move about gently from the outset, as light activity aids recovery, while avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the period Mr Hussain advises.

Many people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks, with keyhole repairs often allowing a slightly faster return than open surgery. Heavier or more physical work and full exercise are usually resumed by around four to six weeks, and longer for complex or incisional repairs. Mr Hussain provides individual guidance and reviews each patient after surgery to check that healing is progressing well.